I agree with you Ms. Ward.
Foundation and support definely gives a student more stability to make it further. Without it, everything could fall apart.
Thank you,
Christine
I believe that when you truly support your students through the 3 M's you success rate with retention is high. On a daily basis, I try to get to know everyone and connect with them. Whenever someone has a question, I try to find the answers right away, so they are aware of their importance. I feel that when you give someone a little of your time, they really appreciate you being there for them.
Thanks Karen! I enjoyed all of your comments.
Joe
One of the many ways to do this is through fair an dhonest grading. Students earn A's, they also earn F's, but if they understand why, understand the rubrics used to grade, understand expectations, they are more accepting both of the good grades and the bad. Accountability happens throughout the class, and if we prepare students to be held accountable we struggle less when we hold them so...
So... we teach a number of classes on Saturday morning. One of them is only offered on Saturday morning (8:00AM). Although students have excuses, come late, etc., they never do for that class. The instructor sets clear expectations, is alwyas a half hour early, starts class exactly at 8:00AM, and prepares presentations that are involving and enlightening. Students are in their seats, ready to learn at 8:00AM.
I agree -- we modle expectations to students through all our actions, good and bad. It has always amazed me how much students watch, notice and internalize. When I was first teaching it was daunting from the "they really listen to little ole' me perspective. Not only listen, emulate behavior, internalize expectations, and work hard to produce. yes, many students have excuses, but if you set clear expectations, and in the process meet your own expectations, they will try hard to achieve. Follow up, be persistent in letting students know you believe in their abilities and they will continue to amaze...
I agree -- nothing sets the tone for class quite like a welcomeing attitude that is echoed through action. I like your concept of modeling a professional greeting. I believe this adds to the overall sense of professionalism in the classroom.
Monitoring or follow up seems to be the most difficult part of the 3 Ms. We must constantly follow up and hold students accountable for their consequences as well.
My school is broken down between mandatory and elective courses. The course I teach is an elective and very specific to the manufacturer I represent. Modeling follows very narrow guidelines set by the school to meet the manufacturer's wishes which I believe actually helps show the student what they can expect in the field, down to a dress code. I feel that Mentoring is one of my strong points because along with total commitment to my students education, I am required to continually take courses to teach in my field. My student role allows me to better empathizes with my students.
I have found that by modeling professionalism, establishing achievable goals, setting limits, giving praise, using anologies for better understanding of the subject matter presented, and giving my students a lot of personal attention, they generally do well in my course and it is reflected on my critiques.
Don Stamile
Chief Instructor
Great response!
75 to 80 percent of most of our students are the first in their family to go to college. Many don't have any models or mentors. We need to be their models and mentors and give them that extra push!!!
I think empathy and an open mind are necessary in order to model, mentor and monitor students. We are dealing with students from all different backgrounds and walks of life. We have to let them know that they can learn and complete their studies, no matter what their situation may be. We have students that live in less than ideal circumstances, but do not let that stop them from achieving their goals. But sometimes, they may need just a little extra push on those rough days.
You are right Melanie. What the faculty and staff are modeling is very important. It will help alot with how the students behave.
I couldn't agree more with the accountability aspect. The typical student at my campus is one generally has an excuse for everything and probably has never been held accountable in the past. If faculty and staff model this behavior and set it as the expectation from the start, students will hold themselves to a higher standard. They will realize they can't get by with the same old excuses.
Recently, while conducting a faculty in-service, I was asked if it was appropriate for instructors to share their stories with the students. Many of our instructors have used education to improve their lifes and reach their goals. When instructors are able to model success through their own journeys it has an impact on students' beliefs in their own opportunity for success. In a different vein, I emphasize to instructors to follow the rules and policies of the school as a way to model professionalism to the students.
Mentoring can be a profound influence at all levels of our development. Not only do instructors and administrators serve as mentors to the students, we have a strong, active peer mentoring program at our campus. Relating to a peer mentor brings the self-efficacy message into stronger focus for students.
We are preparing students for careers and accountability is a basic premise of professional success. Failing to monitor student behavior and progress sets the student up to fail outside of school as well as in the classroom. Students get the message that if it is not important enough for you to monitor it is not important enough for them to do.
I believe the 3Ms are the keys to student retention in our sector. This type of culture followed by all employees, will greatly improve total emrollment as well.
Joe
You are absolutely right. It is very important that every employee model, mentor and monitor the right message.
I understand more clearly the concepts of Model, Mentor and Monitor for the retention of students and the involvement of all employees of the Institution and the importance of transmitting this necessity to the employees that not understand.
Your example is a wonderful way to Model and Mentor Dependability to students. Dependability is the number one trait that employers want in an employee. Class attendance is a must and any absences is the first red flag to look for concerning student retention.
One of the examples we can do to inspire students is to make sure we are on time (even early to class), to be sure we are there before they get in. This will let students know that not only do we care about them but it will incourage them to be on time also.
